A/N: Oh em gee. Alright. This is it, guys. The last chapter. Its a monster, I know, but there was so much that needed to happen and I didn't want to make y'all wait for another chapter. FYI Kikyo makes her grand debut here. Don't take offense, I know that she may seem really out of character to some of the more hardcore fans out there. I look at it as though this is another facet of her personality--what she could have become, if you will.
"This is so much fun!" Kagome chirped loudly. "Why didn't anyone tell me that roo-let was fun?!" she demanded to no one in particular.
It had been a very long and very trying half-hour for Inu Yasha. Kagome was quite drunk and couldn't be left to her own devices. He'd innocently suggested that she pick a number or two for him, helping to loose money and keep her safely occupied in the process. Much to his chagrin, however, it seemed that his date was rather lucky at picking numbers. She hadn't picked a wrong bet yet, actually. After doing quick mental calculations, he was dismayed to realize that she was actually making them money. While this could still accomplish the same goal as loosing vast amounts, his pride demanded a bitter response.
As Kagome began another round of good-luck chanting with the growing crowd around their table, Inu Yasha surveyed their surroundings again to check for signs of action. Fluffy had to know that something was up and would probably be there soon. Kagura also hadn't paid a call since the jail-break and that really made him nervous. The one thing he really wanted to see was the casino staff coming over. That would be the sign that they might just make it. Kagome cheered and jumped up and down in place after winning again. He hated to admit it, but she was absolutely adorable right now. The alcohol added a healthy flush to her cheeks and the sheer happiness radiating from her smile nearly made his knees give out. He realized that he hadn't really seen her smile much in the last week or so that they'd been together. That only made him feel worse, though, when he thought about what he was still hiding from her.
---
Miroku could feel the headache coming on already. The flight had been a trial for all of them--Hojo had made a new friend early-on in the flight and had managed to tell her his entire life story as well as the details of their current mission. No one had really thought much of this until the idiot brought them over to meet his other new friend--an obviously powerful and therefore dangerous youkai. Thankfully the young man had been raised with the patience and the mind of a monk. While it may not seem like it to those around him, Miroku was actually incredibly perceptive of those around him--particularly those of demon blood. When they had been presented to the civil youkai Sesshomaru, Miroku forced himself to suppress a shudder of fear. No youkai this powerful would go out of his way to help a group of humans. Period.
But there was little that could be done now. While the others seemed delighted by their good fortune, Miroku knew that somehow, they had become hostages.
---
There was a polite knock on the door. People were usually polite when knocking on the door of an underground mafia boss.
She didn't turn from the window at the sound, as most people would. She wasn't like most people. For one thing, she was almost 90 years old and still in the prime of her life. In her youth, she had been a great and delicate beauty, though, at the time, she did not hunger for the power this gave her. But soon she realized that beauty was like the blossom of a flower--rare and brief. She searched then for a means of preserving her own fading beauty; whether it be mystical or scientific, she didn't care. At last she found legends speaking of a particular gem. The shikon no tama - the jewel of the four souls.
The legendary gem was supposed to be just that--a legend--but she became convinced of its existence. Her search took her many places and she met many who shared her obsession for the jewel--humans and demons alike. She had even become involved with a hanyou at one point. She always smiled when she thought of him. He had served well--he was ultimately the one who found the legendary jewel and foolishly had handed it to her as a 'gift'.
The legendary jewel, though, turned out to be nothing more than a pretty bauble. She had spent yearssearching for immortality and all she got was this lousy, three-inch in diameter, flawless, pink diamond to show for it. Humiliated and frustrated by this failure, she committed her first deliberate murder. She shot the hanyou who'd brought the useless trinket to her. As she stood over him, however, a thought came to her. At first she was disturbed by the notion, but it quickly took hold in her mind. Hanyou. Half-human, half-youkai. Their lives and bodies last for centuries... but they were still part human...
To this day, as far as she knew, no other human has survived a blood transfusion from a hanyou donor. She knew the risks when she set out, but her obsession was too great for her to back down now. It turned out that she was actually very lucky. The hanyou's human genome coded for the same blood-type as her own, allowing the transfusion to take. As a result, she looked to be about 30 years old, despite being in her late eighties.
The problem with obtaining your dreams, though, is what comes next? She had the jewel, which was certainly valuable monetarily. She had beauty and youth. Now she also had a burning drive to dominate. Perhaps it was the inu youkai blood or perhaps it was the next logical step; regardless, that was the beginning of her career in the teeming underbelly of high-crime.
She worked her way up the ladders of the crime rings, slowly gaining foot-holds in all the major sectors. Drugs, prostitution, embezzlement, gambling, black market--you name it and she was there. As she moved from Japan to China, Russia, Italy, and finally America, her empire of crime moved with her. It was only natural that she wind up as the reigning Queen of Las Vegas. The city suited her perfectly in both personality and appearance. For safety's sake, though, she rarely left her penthouse/office. She'd even gone so far as to have an entire casino built with the sole purpose of being her new center of operations. It was opening night, tonight, and she'd felt an unusual restlessness in accompaniment. Something was going to happen tonight, and it was going to be big.
There came another knock, this time slightly more urgent. She allowed a momentary flicker of annoyance before pushing the button for admittance. The door unlocked audibly and one of her hired goons stepped in, bowing respectfully and waiting for permission to speak.
"What is it that has you so agitated?" she asked scornfully. It was unusual for staff to speak to her personally. They almost always went through her secretary.
The large man flinched at the tone of her voice but responded politely. "Ma'am, it's in regards to item 33-D. You said that you wanted to be alerted immediately and personally if such a person were identified."
She turned sharply to look at the man's face. This was top-secret. If he knew about this order, he was trusted by someone that she trusted. "Well?" she demanded when he didn't continue.
"Yes. Ma'am, the girl appears to be about 22 or 23 years old. She is currently not registered with us at the hotel. She fits the description and I have personally verified this information. If you wish, I will bring her..."
"Is she alone?" she cut in quickly. This guy seemed quite competent, but that was no guarantee. It would be foolish to let her guard down so easily after waiting for so long for a person like this.
"Ah, no, Ma'am. She is with a hanyou."
"WHAT?" she screeched. It was a long standing rule of hers--hanyou were always troublesome, either directly or indirectly. That a 33-D had one with her did not bode well. Unfortunately, her strong instincts told her that this combination should not be left un-investigated. She silently regained her composure before turning to the wall and pressing a switch. As the wall slid away, hundreds of screens appeared. Each one seemed to be attached to some area of surveillance and each was equipped with the highest quality screens and immaculate resolution. She could count the sequins on any dress from the comfort of her lair. "Where are they currently?" she asked as calmly as she could manage.
"Yes, Ma'am. They went straight to the roulette high-limit table and have been there for nearly an hour. At first, she seemed to not be interested in gambling, but then they argued and she started playing. Apparently he had lost nearly five hundred thousand before she started playing." Her eyes went up at that. This hanyou had money to burn and obviously wasn't afraid to attract attention to himself. "After she joined the table, though," he coughed uncomfortably, "their luck seems to have changed. Their winnings are currently up to 2.5 million."
She nearly lost her balance on that one. 2.5 million?! What sort of monster was this girl? "Bring her in. The hanyo, as well. I want them here in 15 minutes."
He bowed again before leaving. "Yes, Lady Kikyo."
---
"What do you mean, I can't come in?" the wind demon was livid. She had planned to sweep in and make a grand entrance, striking fear into the foolish hanyou. She was startled when she discovered that there was a waiting line--just to get in to the place where her prey lay unaware. When she'd finally gotten to the front of the line, however, a large man in a tux and shades held out a hand to prevent her from entering.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. You are not appropriately dressed. This is a black-tie event and formal wear is required. Please move aside." She looked at him with profound disgust and grabbed him by the lapel of his tux jacket. She took a small satisfaction in the shocked expression he wore as she pulled him off balance.
"Look, you big ape. This is a 200 year old silk kimono. It is worth more than your whole family makes in a year. How the hell is this not formal?!" she snarled quietly at him.
It took him a moment to regain his control and he had the courtesy to at least look embarrassed, too. He straightened his jacket, though, and plastered the impassiveness back across his chiseled face. "I'm sorry, ma'am. While your ah, dress, is pretty, it is not included in the parameters outlined by the owner of this establishment. If you wish to enter, please speak to the concierge and you will be escorted to a suitable clothier."
"And where might one find this concierge?" she grated slowly.
With a straight face he pointed to the side, "You see that line...?"
---
"Lord Sesshomaru, we should be landing shortly!" Rin screamed over the roar of the helicopter. After landing, aside from a prepped chopper and two aspirin, the inu youkai was greeted with information. They were going to land of the roof of the casino run by mobster and ex-girlfriend of Inu Yasha, the infamous Lady Kikyo. He was not afraid of the woman, by any means, but he was not foolish enough to barge into a dangerous person's stronghold to fight a personal battle. True, he had the four stooges to act as hostages to fall back on if need be, but one was of demon blood, even if it was a weaker strand of wolf. Only the human female and the male she was mated to seemed intelligent enough to know the dangers of their situation.
Just wait, Inu Yasha. Tonight all will be settled.
---
Kagome had lost her shoes at some point. Inu Yasha marvelled at this--she hadn't moved from this spot since he'd brought her to the table, but somehow, both of her thousand-dollar shoes had disappeared. She seemed to either not notice, not care, or simply enjoyed being barefoot and continued to win obscene amounts of money. He was right about one thing, they were definitely getting noticed.
Four muscles were heading their way, one with a hand pressed to his earpiece and issuing quiet commands to the others. Inu Yasha forced himself to fight his instincts to run. They wantedto be caught, he reminded himself firmly. He turned as casually as he could and took Kagome gently by the arm. He leaned over to whisper in her ear.
("Don't panic. It looks like our plan is working. Some men are coming over to get us. Don't worry and don't fight it. Just follow my lead, alright?")
"Hm, what plan?" she blurted loudly, attracting the attention of the entire table. Kagome's subtlety button seemed to have been broken. He forced himself to smile and laugh lightly.
"Oh, don't be silly, honey! The plans we had for dinner! Remember? What other plans could we possibly have?" he prompted her. Her eyes were trying to focus as she processed what he said. She seemed to catch on as a big goofy smile crept across her face. In a loud, slurred whisper, she leaned into him and said, "Oke-dokey-smokey!" and giggled wickedly before loosing her balance and nearly tumbling over. Only his supreme reflexes allowed him to catch her before she fell and hit her head for the second time that day.
"Whoopsies," she muttered as he lifted and tried to steady her. His hand slid around her waist to support her from a more centralized location. Kagome looked at the clawed hand now at her waist and followed it back to the concerned hanyou. He watched her eyes turned from glazed to slightly coherent. She seemed to be coming out of the worst of the alcohol and regaining some of her self control.
...or so he thought until she kissed him.
He was not the romantic type by any stretch of the imagination. He'd never been comfortable kissing--it was too personal. The few kisses he'd had in the past were usually chaste and of necessity, not passion. As such, he was totally unprepared for this kiss. This was more than just personal. Her lips told him that this was a confession as well as a challenge.
Alcohol did wonders for Kagome's inhibition, it seemed. Her lips weren't the only thing she was using. Her entire being was being poured into her attack. He thought that was just a little unfair.
As she leaned into him and wrapped her small arms around his stiff neck, he felt himself shutting down. There was so much in this contact... so much emotion and feeling... he immediately tried to disconnect from it. He learned long ago that feelings can only get hurt, so its best to not use them. But when he tried to pull away, this mere human somehow managed to overpower him. When she put her lips to his, the sheer depth and nakedness of her feelings for him effectively destroyed his last barriers. While a part of him felt broken and defeated, there was a much larger and stronger force overriding all thoughts and all other feelings.
Just as it seemed that she was giving up on his returning her feelings, Inu Yasha wrapped his other arm around Kagome and pulled her deeper into the kiss. He couldn't deny it any more. He couldn't even try. She had beaten him so profoundly, that it would be an insult to pretend she hadn't won. He loved her. For all the weaknesses and for all the frustration, he still loved her. And it was time to let her know it.
It might have gone even farther if it hadn't been for the large and noisy crowd which gathered around the passionate couple. After a particularly loud and shrill whistle, Inu Yasha finally released a very mussed Kagome. When he managed to break the smoldering hold of her eyes, he realized everyone within twenty feet had been watching them.
Turning red, he tried to think of something witty to say, but only managed, "...Oh, you meant those plans!"
---
Kikyo was not used to jealousy. It was an emotion saved for those who did not have what they wanted, and as such, Kikyo had rarely felt the green-eyed monster. As she stared at the tiny screen showing a dark-haired Asian girl locked in an embarrassingly passionate kiss with a familiar hanyou, Kikyo knew her earlier premonition had been dead on. Hanyou were nothing but trouble. Especially this one. She would know; she had shot him in the chest over 50 years ago only to see him again, now, making out in her casino with the very girl she'd been waiting for. She was alone at the moment, and allowed herself an indulgence.
"Shit!"
---
They always play the same music...Kagme mused as they rode in the elevator. Despite it's large and luxurious size, the four large men escorting them took up a considerable amount of room. Inu Yasha had placed himself protectively in front of her before the doors had even closed. Another wave of warmth ran from her toes up to her scalp. She didn't remember much of the last hour or so, and she was grateful for that. She was even more thankful that she didremember a certain hanyou's reaction to her advances. She bit her lip to keep from squeeling in glee. Kagome was not usually prone to giddiness, but she assumed that between the concussion, the drinks and that amazing kiss, she was entitled to be giddy.
After what seemed to take forever, the elevator came to a gentle halt and they filed silently out of the elevator. Another wave of coherent thought crested within Kagome, corresponding with another kind of wave starting in her stomach and rising to the top of her throat. Ugh. Why do people do this to themselves? she thought bitterly. She was beginning to feel nervous again about what was coming next. She still didn't know what his plan was--or even if he actually had one. She was sober enough to understand that she was being kept in the dark for whatever reason and would just have to trust him.
They stopped before a set of plain double-doors. Kagome tried to peer curiously over Inu Yasha's shoulder, but tripped on her dress again. At some point she had lost her shoes, so now her dress was three inches too long for her. It made her feel like a little girl playing dress-up. She barely was able to stifle the giggle this time. When the doors opened, however, Kagome felt the atmosphere change. Inu Yasha was tense, like he knew what was coming--and it wasn't going to be easy. That was not a good sign.
When they gently began to pull her to one side and a different set of doors, panic began to set in. She looked to Inu Yasha but felt her fear give way to hurt when she saw that he was ignoring this new development. He knew what was happening and he hadn't warned her. That was definitely not a good sign.
---
Kagome was sitting in what must be an interrogation room. The walls were completely blank and broken only by a two-way mirror. The desk and chairs where she had been deposited were utilitarian. After a moment one of the guards returned with a packet of paper and a pen. He sat down across from Kagome without looking at her or speaking and sharply clicked the pen open.
"Now, ma'am. You are hereby interviewing for position 33-D. Name, please." He waited, pen poised over the blank page, ready to take down whatever may come out of Kagome's mouth.
Kagome's mouth, however, was busy hanging open in shock and confusion.
"33-D? What the hell is that?"
He looked confused. "That is classified." He cleared his throat and searched for his place in what obviously was a memorized script. "Ah, um... Name, please." He resumed his previous position, waiting for Kagome's cooperation. Unfortunately, these people did not know who they were dealing with. Quite frankly, Kagome wasn't even sure who she was dealing with--this was the first time she'd felt so bold in her entire life! And she kind of liked it.
"Alrighty, buddy! You listen and you listen good! I don't know what's going on here, but I don't think that I'm that kind of girl, you know what I mean?" she said beligerently. "I wanna know what's going on here! I had a hot table down there! I was having fun! Then you come and yank me away--you even took my date away--and now you tell me that I'm applying for a job that sounds like a bra-size?! I don't think so--" she groped to find an offensive name to call the man, but could only come up with, "...Sally!"
The large man seemed totally unprepared for this response. He looked around uncomfortably, as if to make sure no one was watching, and leaned over the table. Kagome could see that he was trembling visibly. He motioned for her to lean in, too, and looked around again to make sure no one was looking. He swallowed hard and whispered, "How did you know my name was Sally?"
---
Okay, maybe she kinda went overboard.
Kagura casually stepped over a broken body, careful to keep the hem of her kimono out of the sticky blood. Most of the survivors had already fled the lobby of the casino--those that could still flee, that is. Technically, this was a serious no-no in the demon world. Humanity largely allowed the unmolested existence of the youkai so long as there was no great threat. Kagura's temper tantrum was going to cause a lot of problems if she wasn't careful. Actually, she mused, this could work out to her advantage...
If she worked quickly enough, she might just be able to tell the police about how she was able to subdue the terrible hanyou that went on a killing spree....
---
Sally was crying now. Kagome patted his hand sympathetically, nodding and looking for all the world like she knew exactly what the man was talking about. He gave a particularly violent sob and shouted in anguish, "I just wanted to feel pretty!"
Things were definitely going downhill. If she really concentrated, she knew she could figure out a plan. "Now Sally! You stop this. Just take a deep breath with me." She held her hands in front of her, moving them in exaggerated motions encouraging the hiccuping man to follow her lead. After a few of these breaths, it seemed to be working. Kagome felt more confident and decided to press her luck.
"Sally, just between us girls, I think that you have been fooling yourself, honey. You need to do something for you! Tell you what we're gonna do: we'll finish up this silly paper work and you'll take me back out there. Then you go on your break and you go get yourself a nice pedicure--it always makes me feel better."
Sally nodded, sniffled loudly and smiled shyly. "Thanks. You know, a nice girl like you shouldn't be here. I'll tell Lady Kikyo that you're not right for the job, after all!" he said delightedly.
Kagome beamed at him. "Thank you, Sally. I don't think I'm right for--wait, what was this job anyway?" she demanded exasperatedly.
"Oh, 33-D. Body-double for the boss."
Kagome stared at him in horror. "WHAT?!"
---
Kikyo was putting the finishing touches to her make-up when they told her that her guests had arrived. She had planned to meet them in her business attire: tailored suit and sexy stilettos. After watching the... chemistry between them, however, she decided the kimono was better. It was hand-made for her--back in the 1920s, actually--and had cost her nearly a hundred thousand back then. He'd remember it, no doubt. She knew him well enough to know that he wouldn't be here unless it was to see her. He had a lot of nerve to come crawling to her for a favor--with some tramp in tow nonetheless. And that he brought this particular tramp was beyond insulting.
She was examining her reflection when her secretary came in with that look on her face. It was the look that always preceded bad news. "My Lady," she began politely, "we have guests."
Kikyo breathed in relief. "Yes, I know. I'll be there in a moment." The pained expression on her secretary's face said that there was a catch.
"Actually, my Lady, these are new guests. Lord Sesshomaru of New York and a few others landed on the roof's Helli-pad a moment ago."
Kikyo stared in disbelief. The great inu youkai, Sesshomaru, here, tonight? Then it clicked. Both brothers here tonight, hmm? And they both want to see little old me?
"Shit." Kikyo muttered as she brushed past her startled assistant and went out to get to the bottom of things.
---
Shortly after learning about 33-D, Sally escorted her back to where they were keeping Inu Yasha. He seemed to be fascinated by the magazine article he was reading, conveniently, so she couldn't get his attention with out alerting the other guards. There was a bar here, though, and Kagome suddenly felt that a round or two of liquid courage might be in order here.
They were in this large office overlooking the lights of Las Vegas when a new door flew open. A woman in a fabulous kimono came out and Kagome began to think that the drinks she'd had earlier were watered down compared to the drinks up here. On this woman... It was her face! Ooh, but her face seemed really angry. But Kagome didn't feel angry. This was all very perplexing. Suddenly one of the large men who had escorted them here cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Ms. Higurashi?"
Kagome was really confused when she heard her other face respond at the same time she did. The man seemed as confused as she and her reflection did. He shook his head as if to clear the confusion and tried again. "No, I'm sorry, I meant that Ms. Higurashi--"
Kagome interrupted him, "Oh, can you see it, too? That makes me feel much better," she laughed in relief. The poor man only looked even more confused and slightly distressed. He turned to Kagome's reflection and said, "My Lady..." as if pleading for intervention. Kagome was shocked to hear the other her speak sharply, "Enough!"
The look on the other face was not one Kagome had ever worn. Kagome felt her neck hairs stand on end and a cold sweat suddenly appeared on her forehead. The last time she'd been in a presence like this one was in that horrible jail cell with the wind demon. But this was herface! And she was definitely not a demon... It felt like the room was beginning to spin now, and Kagome had trouble keeping her eyes open. Those waves were coming back again, threatening to crash over her head.
She remembered feeling Inu Yasha's strong hands catching her and the sensation of falling, but nothing else.
---
Thankfully, after Kagome fainted, Kikyo pretended to be busy with her hired goon and allowed Inu Yasha to make sure the girl was settled on a sofa in the lounge and covered her with his tux jacket. After she had spoken briefly with the man, Kikyo turned her full attention on Inu Yasha.
She had turned on her seduce-o-riffic switch while he wasn't looking. He was afraid this was going to happen. He tried to mollify her before she got too worked up. "Kikyo... listen--" But she cut him off with a finger to his lips. Her body was definitely too close to his. He fought to maintain control over his mind--this was how she had always manipulated him in the past. She looked up at him through her dangerous eyelashes and purred as she spoke.
"Extraordinary. You just so happen to still be alive. You just so happento be in my casino on opening night." To an ordinary man, it may have sounded like Kikyo was actually glad to see him again. Inu Yasha, however, knew Kikyo well enough to know that his life was seriously in danger. As she counted off his offenses, her gaze grew more intense and she began to circle her prey.
"You just so happen to be with a young human girl who just so happensto have the Higurashi family name and just so happens to look like my own reflection!" Her face was beginning to turn red now, and he knew that if he didn't step in now, things were going to really get ugly.
Smiling as charmingly as he could manage he held out his arms in a gesture he knew would annoy her and said, "Did you miss me?"
---
This was way too easy... Sango knew that something was up from the moment this random youkai said that he wanted to help them rescue Kagome. The problem was that the demon had been very helpful and at least not openly hostile towards them. Judging from his hair and eyes and god-like good looks, she was fairly certain this was a relative of their quarry. Inu Yasha, it seemed, had done enough to garner a personal visit from this Sesshomaru guy and as far as Sango was concerned, they would probably be used as hostages if the situation turned ugly. If this guy knew where to find Inu Yasha, he certainly knew that Kagome was with him. And since a certain genius in their group had told a complete stranger the entirestory, Sesshomaru knew exactly who they were, too.
After they had landed on the roof of a huge casino but before they had a chance to really get their bearings, a group of armed and especially large men appeared and pointed all sorts of bad things at the motley crew. Before anyone could stop him, though, Hojo had stepped forward, trying to explain the situation as he had to Rin, only to get a face full of pepper-spray. These people were certainly cautious and not stupid enough to permanently injure an intruder before interrogations began.
Hojo screamed for a while as the chemicals did their work, so there were a few uncomfortable minutes before Sesshomaru could send Rin to barter safe passage and a meeting with Kikyo. Miroku and Koga each took one of Hojo's arms and carried their fallen comrade onwards.
---
It was odd. Inu Yasha had been afraid of what he might feel; seeing Kikyo again after all these years. Smelling her perfume and seeing her in that damn kimono. He waited for his heart to leap into his throat or his stomach to drop to his shoes but nothing happened. He smirked. He didn't feel anything for her anymore. That could have doomed the whole plan, if he was still under Kikyo's spell. Funny how a guy tends to lose interest in a gal after being shot in the chest.
Sure, it had surprised him the first time he say Kagome--but she had been staring at Inu Yasha, too, so he never really made an issue of it. Even though these two women had almost identical faces, he was not fooled. And now he knew that everything was gonna work.
---
Kikyo was watching him smile to himself. Apparently, just because he didn't fall to pieces over one weak attempt at seduction, he thought he'd already won . Kikyo decided to disabuse him of that particular illusion. "Alright. So what's the deal, Inu Yasha?"
He looked away innocently. "What do you mean? I just happened to be in Vegas and just happened to decide to have a little fun..."
"Don't bother. I know you've got the sword now and that Sesshomaru will come to kill you and take it back. Oh, so you didn't think I'd put two and two together, hm?" His face blanched and she smiled softly. "Your brother landed on my roof not even five minutes ago, incidentally. Tell me, why shouldn't I just hand you over and be done with it? While I'm not afraid of Sesshomaru, it would really upset my lawyer to interfere in some demon family feud."
He looked a little unsure of himself for a moment before putting on his macho-mantle again. "Keh. You won't do that."
"Oh?" She lifted an eyebrow in curiosity.
He seemed unruffled. "Oh yeah. No way that'd happen."
Through clenched teeth she calmly asked, "Why do you say that?"
He smiled in response. "Because, Kikyo, if nothing else I know you. I know you're curious as to why I'm here--not just the sword, but why I came to see you. And because I know you hate your lawyer almost as much as he hates you, and that you'd never miss a chance to piss him off and create more red tape for him to deal with. You've got everything you've ever wanted, Kikyo. It's only these petty amusements that you have left to spice things up." He flashed her a cocky smile. "And because you can't stand the fact that I've found someone who's younger and prettier than you are--someone who won't shoot me after she gets what she wants." He ended flatly.
She struggled to keep her temper. "Interesting assessment. What if you're wrong?"
He shrugged. "I'm not wrong. You didn't want me before, but now that I've rejected you, you can't stand not having me in the palm of your hand."
"This is why people want to shoot you," she informed him.
"Stop, you're making me blush."
"Alright, Inu Yasha. Quit yanking my chain. What-do-you-want-from-me?"
He looked her up and down, slowly, and raised a suggestive eyebrow. "I thought we knew each other better than that."
"You are such an asshole, do you know that?" she flared at him. "I know you're up to something, and you're not telling me. Now what is it?!"
He put out his lower lip and gave her puppy eyes. "Kikyo! Babe! You've got to learn to trust people a little!"
Kikyo spat an expletive at him.
"This is why people don't like you, Kikyo."
---
A man bowed as he entered and addressed the seated group. "We apologize for the delay. Ms. Higurashi will be with you momentarily."
While Sesshomaru, Rin and Koga seemed unaffected by this, Sango and Miroku snapped to attention. "What?!" Sangoyelled. "What do you mean, Ms. Higurashi?"
"Please, Sango-san, be calm." Rin said cheerfully. "I'm sure Ms. Higurashi is very busy right now. We must be patient."
"No, that's... I mean, what about Kagome?!"
Rin's smile thinned a little. "All in good time. First, we'll wait to see Ms. Higurashi."
"But... but..." Sango began. Tears of frustration welled in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" asked Koga. He turned to look inquiringly to Miroku, who looked just as confused as his girlfriend did. Hojo, however, seemed unaffected. Koga leaned over and whispered to him, "What's got them so worked up?"
Hojo whispered back, "It's very frustrating right now, Koga-kun. We're so close to getting her back that they don't want to wait to see her."
"What about you? Don't you want to see her?"
Hojo smiled weakly. "Of course I want to see her. At the moment, though, I can't even see you clearly. The pepper spray is making it difficult to focus my eyes."
"Oh, right. Sorry. But I still don't see what the problem is. It sounds to me like we've got to see this Higurashi chick first, right?"
"Kagome's family name is Higurashi, Koga-kun." Hojo gave him a look of pity. Koga resented that. It was like having a child call you immature.
"Wait a minute," Koga mused. "Why would we have to wait to see Kagome, and what's up with the staff? Why does it sound like she owns the place? What's she doing here?" his questions came faster and became more urgent. "What's going on, here?" Koga shouted.
Rin and Sesshomaru turned their heads towards the source of the commotion. Koga was standing now, holding the human Hojo in a choke-hold and administering a nougie. Rin turned to her employer with a sad look, "What's got them so worked up?"
---
Inu Yasha turned away from Kikyo, so that she couldn't see him hiding a smile. "It's quite simple. You have something that I need." Privately, Inu Yasha couldn't help but feel a little like a suave super-spy like James Bond.
"Oh get over yourself, Inu Yasha. You're not Bond," she snapped irritably. She always seemed to see through him. "And what makes you think that even if I do have what you need, that I would let you have it?"
He turned to face her and smiled genuinely. "Because, Kikyo... you owe me. Big time. And I know your secret. You think that living hidden away from the world will keep people from knowing what you did? You've already been around for over 90 years, babe. You haven't aged a day--you're welcome, by the way--and you know that rumors are already starting that you may not be... natural..." His smile was gone now and he advanced slowly on her, driving his point in gradually but emphatically. He was driving her into a corner--both literally and metaphorically.
"Kikyo. Listen. I know that you've got my blood in you. I know that you've moved from country to country, trying to keep it a secret. You're stuck, Kikyo. Nobody is dumb enough to not figure out something's not natural when you don't age at all in 15 years. So you run away. You went through so much to be young and beautiful forever, but what good is it if you have to hide it? You can't stay in one place forever without giving away your secret. If you let people know what you did, though, they'll reject you. And that's the one thing you can't stand. And that's why you're going to help me. Because I can help you."
There was a mad look of desperation when she turned to him. "How?! How can you help me?"
Inu Yasha turned to look over his shoulder at Kagome's form. "Trust me. I've got a plan." The look she gave him was filled with shock and scorn. Before she could respond, though, he looked her straight in the eye and asked plainly, "Hey, I promised you I'd find the jewel and I did. You know that I make good on my promises. So... do you trust me?"
She was against the wall, a few reluctant tears trailing down her cheeks telling him he was right. A wave of pity came over him. Quietly, she spoke, "What do you want?"
"Kikyo..." he said gently. "Kikyo, I am sorry," he wiped a tear away and turned her to face him. "Is your lawyer here? I need to see Naraku. He's the only thing in this world more evil than that damn Fluffy."
She laughed weakly and pulled a small cell phone from her obi. She pressed a single button and issued a brief command before putting it away again and turning to face Inu Yasha once more. "He's on his way. I will stall your brother for as long as I can."
---
There was a buzz at the speaker by the door. One of the guards pressed a button and listened for a moment before nodding and turning back to the group. "Ms. Higurashi will see you now."
The doors opened. Koga caught his breath when he saw her. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. There was a steel about her--a determined pride. He felt his pulse quicken. There was no doubt about it, Kagome was the only one who could ever be his mate. Before he could say anything though, Hojo had lept to his feet and dashed to kneel in front of her.
"Higurashi-san! This time without you has been the most painful of my life! Please! I beg of you, come home with me to Japan! I will make you the happiest bride in the whole world!"
There was a moment of shocked silence. No one seemed willing to be the first to speak, but finally Sango took pity on the kneeling man and quitely came over to where he was. Without a word, she took him by the shoulders and turned him away from the shocked body guard to face the woman in the kimono. She patted him sympathetically on the arm before straightening again and looking closely at the woman's face.
"Ms. Higurashi?" she asked politely.
"Yes," the woman responded coldly.
"Ah. Please excuse me." Sango bowed shortly and returned to her seat. Miroku and Koga gaped at her while poor Hojo seemed to be lost in the moment or frozen in embarassment at proposing to a man.
The woman ignored all the strange behavior. "I am Higurashi Kikyo. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Sesshomaru. What can I do for you today?"
---
"Well, I guess that pretty much covers it." Inu Yasha breathed in relief. "Thanks for all your help, Naraku. I'd always heard that you were kind of a prick, but you seem like an okay guy to me," he smiled and offered a hand to shake. The pale man had long, dark hair, the top half of which he slicked back into a greasy pony tail. His tailored suit was complimentary shades of deep blue and voilet. Inu Yasha couldn't be certain, but it almost looked like he was wearing a little eye shadow, too...
"...Was this the only reason I was called?" he asked coldly. Inu Yasha was startled by the abrupt answer.
"Yeah. So?"
Naraku began to pack up his note pads and books without response. Inu Yasha sat up straight in his chair. "Oi! What's your problem?"
"I am not some stupid hanyou. I understand the implications of this situation. Do not offend me."
Inu Yasha blinked a few times as this settled in. "Hey! I'm not stupid!"
Naraku gave him a withering look. "Oh. Pardon-e-moi. So you doknow that your brother never even had a claim on the Tessaiga?" Inu Yasha blinked again. "And you also knew that even ifSesshomaru had the sword that he would never be able to weild it?" Before he even had a chance to look confused again, Naraku pressed on. "And I wouldn't insult you by assuming you didn't realize that Sesshomaru was left a sword of his own, the Tensaiga, which, incidentally, is about three times more valuable than the Tessaiga."
They stared at each other across the table in silence for a long time.
"Alright. I just have one more question for you."
Naraku's eyes narrowed. "What?" he spat contemptuously.
With a perfectly straight face, Inu Yasha said, "Can you repeat that?"
---
"Lady Kikyo. I understand that you have another guest tonight." Sesshomaru said calmly from his seat.
"Yes, your brother is here," she replied, equally as calm.
"How much time did you promise him?" he asked politely.
"Oh, I don't like to give specifics, really." She turned from him to look at the rest of the group. "Interesting. I had understood that the only human company you kept was that of your secretary."
"Ah. A coincidence, I assure you."
"Mm." She turned to Hojo and quickly dismissed him, turning instead to Sango. "What coincidence brings you here, young lady?"
"It's a long story, ma'am."
"Interesting." A thought came to Kikyo and she looked back over her shoulder. "Was there some kind of misunderstanding with the young man over there?"
They all looked uncomfortably at one another. Finally, Miroku spoke. "Forgive us. Its just that you look strikingly similar to our lost companion, Kagome. We came here in pursuit after she was kidnapped by a hanyou, Inu Yasha, in New York."
"...So her name is Kagome..." she said quietly to herself. "Kidnapped, you say?" She thought back to the terrible image of the floozy making out with the hanyou. "I think you'd better tell me the whole story," she said firmly.
---
"So what you're saying is that, legally, I am the sole inheritor of my father's possessions and assets?"
Naraku looked at him with the utmost contempt. "Duh."
---
Kikyo tried to summarize the story. "So your friend, Kagome Higurashi, disappeared with the hanyou Inu Yasha and you've just now caught up with them, supposedly, here?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well, well, well. What a coincidence."
Rin chirped, "We told you so!"
---
"I'll speak slowly and use little words: The will left everything to you. Do you understand now?"
"...but what about Fluffy?"
Naraku cracked his neck in a quick, fluid movement, closed his eyes, inhaled and exhaled deeply before addressing Inu Yasha again. "Sesshomaru cut all ties with your father after he remarried, you clot! That means that he is no longer legally considered to be part of your family! There isn't anyone else who legally is tied to your father! You could actually sue him for using your money to run his business! Do you understand?!"
"Oh. When you put it that way, yeah, sure. But how come nobody else figured this out?"
"Have you ever asked anyone else?" Naraku asked acidly.
Inu Yasha thought for a moment. "No, not really."
---
As she tried to tidy-up her hair in the elevator door's reflection, Kagura thought to herself, They always play the same music...
---
"Enough chatter." Sesshomaru stood. "I will go now and take back what is rightfully mine."
"What's he talking about?" Hojo asked. The boy had been quiet since the embarrassing proposal earlier and had been sitting in the corner during the conversation.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about it too much, boy." Kikyo said smugly. "He's about to get a nasty surprise, that's all."
The great inu youkai froze and turned slightly to hear what she was getting at.
"He came here to take something from his little brother, but he'll leave with much less than that. Inu Yasha should be just about through with his meeting now. Go ahead, Lord Sesshomaru. I think you'll be interested to hear what my lawyer and your half brother were able to come up with."
For the first time, Sesshomaru flinched. "... Naraku is here...?"
Kikyo smiled and nodded.
"Rin."
She jumped to attention with a salute. "Yessir!"
"We are leaving."
"Very good, sir!"
---
As the elevator doors began to slowly open, Kagura began to gather her power in anticipation of what was coming. She was finally going to get revenge on Inu Yasha. After all these years, all the humiliation, she was going to settle the score once and for all. Stepping out into the lobby of the top floor, however, Kagura began to realize that she probably should have done a little more recon before charging in here.
There were several doors, all equally unremarkable and indistinguishable. This was like finding a maze instead of the pot of gold for the demon, but it was of no real significance, she told herself firmly. All she had to do was ask the wind where the mutt was. She sent out her thoughts, looking for the scent of half-blood. After a moment, she felt her confidence shatter.
She wasn't the only demon here, it seemed.
Also there was more than one person here with impure blood.
There were about half a dozen humans... no... more. There were more humans, but they weren't here yet--they were coming. These new humans reeked of gun-powder. Shit! Cops! I've got to finish this and fast! Kagura sent out her thoughts again, desperately trying to locate Inu Yasha.
The demon was on the move now--and it was headed her way. Judging by the scent, this was an extraordinarily powerful youkai...
Kagura bit her lip and made a new plan. The demon was headed this way... Muttering to herself bitterly, Kagura of the Wind quickly ran and hid behind the bar, praying that Inu Yasha couldn't see her now.
---
Sesshomaru was not accustomed to waiting. The helicopter on which they had arrived had since departed. Thus, once more was the great inu youkai to be subjected to the humiliation of human public transportation. He and his secretary were in the lobby of Kikyo's ridiculous lair, waiting for the elevator to arrive.
When the doors finally opened, however, he was greeted not by an empty chamber but rather six well-armed S.W.A.T. team members.
"FREEZE!" One of them ordered and they all immediately pointed their guns at an unimpressed Sesshomaru.
"Rin."
"Yessir!" his secretary saluted. She turned to the still hostile but now confused S.W.A.T. members and began reciting in her soprano and sugary-sweet voice. "You have threatened the great and terrible Lord Sesshomaru-sama! In his infinite mercy, he has granted you amnesty for thirty seconds before chastisement is to be administered. If you wish to plea your case in that time, so be it. If you wish to keep your pathetic and insignificant life, however, immediate removal of your offensive presence is suggested! Thank you! Thirty seconds beginning..." she looked at her watch. "...Nnnnnow!"
The men faltered. One bolted for the emergency exit stairwell while two others looked around for orders. The one who called for the inital charge, however, remained firm. "Sir! There has been a report of demon terrorist attacks here in the hotel, sir! We have seen the carnage ourselves and are charged with bringing the rogue demon responsible to justice, sir!"
As he paused to breathe, Rin interjected, "15 seconds!" He flicked an uncertain glance in her direction before turning to Sesshomaru. "Sir. If you were not responsible, do you have an alibi or any information on possible suspects in this area?"
Rin began the final countdown. "TEN... NINE... EIGHT... SEVEN... SIX..." she walked quickly to the opposite side of the room and plugged her ears with her fingers. "FIVE... FOUR... THREEEEEEEE..." Sesshomaru lifted one graceful hand, and Rin stopped counting.
After a minute of silence, Sesshomaru allowed himself a tiny smirk. "Human. Speak with the lady Kikyo for my alibi. As for the suspect, I believe you will find her hiding shamefully behind that bar over there..."
There was a sudden "EEK!" from behind the counter.
---
It was a very emotional scene when Sango, Miroku and the others were finally brought back to Inu Yasha and Kagome. She still had not fully regained consciousness yet, though she was trying, so Inu Yasha knew there'd be much more to come.
Surprisingly, the one to take the first swing at Inu Yasha wasn't Sango or even Koga, but Hojo. Of course he was still partially blinded from the pepper spray, but no one really thought he could have hit the hanyou even without the handicap. "Who's the runt?" Inu Yasha asked after catching the off-balance human.
Koga sighed and came to reclaim Hojo. He turned to Inu Yasha after slinging the wimpering human over his shoulder and stared for a moment, sizing him up. Uncomfortably, Inu Yasha finally said, "You wanna kiss me or what?"
Koga just smirked and shook his head. He put Hojo down next to Miroku and straightened before addressing the room.
"You win, dog-boy," was all he said before turning and walking to where Kikyo was standing, observing, in the corner. When he stopped in front of her, he kneeled, much as a samurai before a shogun. "My lady..." he began emotionally. "My lady. I am overcome by your beauty and your presence. Please, allow me to serve you in whatever small capacity I may."
There was a moment of stunned silence as they took in Koga's formal request.
Kikyo looked down regally at the kneeling demon. "You would... you want me?" Inu Yasha looked up sharply at the tone in her voice. He'd only heard it once or twice since meeting her. This was real emotion--Kikyo! Showing pure emotion!
Koga, it seemed, was also overcome by his emotions. He tried to look up, it seemed, but kept his head bowed. "Yes, my lady. I never wish to be separated from you."
There was a soft cry from behind him and Inu Yasha turned again to see the new source of emotions. He saw Sango looking uncomfortable as Miroku held a gently weeping Hojo. After a particularly loud sob, Hojo exclaimed, "That is so romantic!" and broke down again. Miroku patted his back, muttering, "There, there..." and looking to his girlfriend for help. Sango sighed and shook her head. She looked at the pair across the room, lost in their newfound bonds and then to the weeping Hojo being helped to his feet by her own bewildered boyfriend. Finally she looked at Kagome's sleepy, smiling face and then to Inu Yasha.
"Let's go home," was all she said. Inu Yasha chose not to push his luck and simply nodded before gently helping the now mumbling Kagome to her feet. He couldn't completely understand what she was saying, but she was being awfully affectionate. They walked slowly to the elevator and pushed the button before he turned back to face Kikyo one last time.
"Well, Kikyo, it was lovely seeing you again." Inu Yasha said urbanely.
"Don't lie. I never want to see you again and I'm sure the feeling is mutual," she snapped. A thought seemed to come to Kikyo. "You promised you would help me..." she began.
He held up one hand. "Keh. I told you to trust me. Check your mail. You'll see." He winked at her and lead the group into the elevator. As the doors slid closed he called out, "See you on the big screen!"
---
Kagome's head was pounding. Her mouth tasted like the wrong end and the small amount of light in the room pierced her eyes.
As she sat up slowly, she gingerly looked around. She was in a hotel room... A figure was leaning against the large window to the right of her bed. The figure was pulling back the curtains and watching the city lights below.
"Inu Yasha?" she muttered softly. The figure at the window turned quickly and crossed to her bedside. Even in the dim lighting of the room, she could see the concern written on his face. But she was so confused... the last thing she remembered... "What happened?" It seemed like such a cliche thing to say, but it was all she could think of in her present condition.
He smiled softly. "A lot."
"Oh, okay. Good to know," she said sarcastically. "Tell me..." she whined softly.
"In the morning. You need your sleep." He swept her bangs to one side and kissed her forehead gently.
"No fair. You're being really sweet." Kagome protested weakly as he pressed her shoulders down, laying her head back onto her pillow.
"Keh. I know. Don't get used to it, this is a special occasion."
"What's a special occasion?" she asked between yawns.
"Our wedding night, of course." He kissed her cheek softly and turned off the light.
"Oh, right..." she said sleepily. "...WHAT?!"
---
THE END
---
A/N: There will be an epilogue, tying up loose ends, so don't worry about that. If you happen to have a request, I'll be happy to consider anything you'd like to have clarified or to see happen. I'll consider anything submitted until this Friday, November 21. Thank you all for reading and for reviewing. Its been a pleasure. --Minaosu